Laser eye surgery can seem like a complicated and scary process. Between the initial exam, the day of the surgery, and the follow-up exams, there are many things to remember. But being aware of the pre-surgery and post-surgery steps and requirements will make the half-hour surgery far easier.
Before the Initial Exam
Your doctor will schedule you for an initial exam to determine whether you are a good candidate for laser surgery. If you wear contact lenses, you need to stop wearing them prior to this initial exam because contacts affect the shape of your cornea; wearing contacts too close to your initial exam can cause inaccurate measurements for the day of the surgery. If you wear soft lenses, you should stop wearing them two weeks prior to your initial exam. For RGP--rigid gas permeable--lenses, you need to stop wearing them three weeks before your initial exam. Avoid hard lenses for a month before your initial exam.
Prior to Surgery
Prior to your surgery date, you will want to request time off from work to allow your eyes time to heal. Three days is usually a good amount of time to request. You will also want to enlist a friend or family member to drive you to and from your exam, because your eyesight will not be completely normal immediately after the surgery. You will also want to stock up on items you may need during those few days you spend healing.
Day Before Surgery
The day before surgery, stop using any creams, lotions, makeup and perfume. Foreign objects such as these, if they get too close to your eyes, can cause complications during, or infections after, the surgery.
After Surgery - Lifestyle
After surgery, you need to avoid wearing makeup, lotions and creams for at least two weeks. You should avoid noncontact sports for at least three days, and avoid strenuous and contact sports for at least one month. You also shouldn't go swimming or use a whirlpool or hot tub for at least two months. Your doctor will also instruct you to wear an eye shield at night for a month after the surgery.
After Surgery - Doctors
Your first return trip to the doctor will occur within 24 to 48 hours of your laser surgery. It is recommended that you recruit somebody to drive you to and from this initial follow-up exam because your eyesight may still be quite spotty. Your doctor will then schedule several regular follow-up exams during the first six months after your surgery.
Pain and Sensitivity
As your eyes are healing from the surgery, you can expect mild pain and discomfort, burning, tearing, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, dry eyes, difficulty driving at night and fluctuations in your vision. These are a normal part of the healing process. But if you experience excessive pain or worsening symptoms, or if your vision is not improving, contact your doctor immediately.
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